"...to bridge the gap between cognitive, ethical, and political discourse, thus opening the way to a unity of experience." (Lyotard, 39)
Jean-Francois Lyotard explores the reasoning behind Jurgen Habermas' idea of sociocultural unity. Sociocultural unity is the melding of societal customs and cultural practices. Often, these two are very different from one another. For example, the culture that an East Indian girl is brought up with may not resonate with the ideas of American societal customs. Discussing sex and other taboo topics may not be as acceptable and open as it is in American society.
Lyotard seeks to understand this conclusion made by Habermas in order to better understand postmodernism and all that it entails. Postmodernism is not about finding the balance between Traditionalism and Avant-Gardeism. This post modern world and the ideas it presents is a world "in which reality is so destabilized that it offers no occasion for experience but one for ratings and experimentation." (Lyotard 40) In other words, this world is not one of discovery and feeling but one for trying to move forward constantly. This element of modernity exists yet it is no longer so much of trying to get ahead. It is the idea of getting ahead so it is better liked and accepted.
Lyotard then goes to claim that postmodernism precedes modernism. In order for everything to go its separate ways and fracture into the incomplete state that is modernity, it must first achieve the elements of unity. We seek individuality that is accepted and like after unity is understood.
Jean-Francois Lyotard explores the reasoning behind Jurgen Habermas' idea of sociocultural unity. Sociocultural unity is the melding of societal customs and cultural practices. Often, these two are very different from one another. For example, the culture that an East Indian girl is brought up with may not resonate with the ideas of American societal customs. Discussing sex and other taboo topics may not be as acceptable and open as it is in American society.
Lyotard seeks to understand this conclusion made by Habermas in order to better understand postmodernism and all that it entails. Postmodernism is not about finding the balance between Traditionalism and Avant-Gardeism. This post modern world and the ideas it presents is a world "in which reality is so destabilized that it offers no occasion for experience but one for ratings and experimentation." (Lyotard 40) In other words, this world is not one of discovery and feeling but one for trying to move forward constantly. This element of modernity exists yet it is no longer so much of trying to get ahead. It is the idea of getting ahead so it is better liked and accepted.
Lyotard then goes to claim that postmodernism precedes modernism. In order for everything to go its separate ways and fracture into the incomplete state that is modernity, it must first achieve the elements of unity. We seek individuality that is accepted and like after unity is understood.
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